Chapter 55 : Engagement Announced at the Banquet

Xue Qingyin stood up after completing the ceremony, feeling a bit chilly.

When she looked up, she noticed someone watching her.

It was a middle-aged man with a calm demeanor but an imposing presence. He wore a dragon robe and had handsome features. Naturally, this was Emperor Liang De.

Aside from Emperor Liang De, there were also Concubine Wan and an older woman with her hair in a high bun watching her. This woman was likely… the Empress Dowager?

Being scrutinized simultaneously by the three most powerful figures in the imperial palace, Xue Qingyin… stiffened her resolve. She ate and drank as she pleased.

What else could she do? Die on the spot?

Cunning, indeed, thought Concubine Wan.

A fool, thought the Empress Dowager.

Reminds me somewhat of her father, thought Emperor Liang De.

However, when he recalled that Xue Chengdong also raised a son who wasn’t his, Emperor Liang De’s expression darkened again.

Unaware of these differing evaluations, Xue Qingyin continued to eat and drink, oblivious to the inner thoughts of the imperial trio.

Since the emperor attended today’s palace banquet, the noblewomen present were naturally reserved and cautious.

Still, Xue Qingyin wasn’t the only one who stood out.

Earlier, the daughters of the Lu and Qiao families, candidates for Prince Xuan, had also displayed grace and poise.

At this point, the sound of stringed music began, dispersing some of the tension in the hall.

Xue Qingyin sat next to Xue Qinghe and leaned closer to whisper, “So, did you figure out who pushed you?”

Xue Qinghe froze.

Xue Qingyin frowned. “Didn’t find out? Really? I specifically brought you here… Don’t tell me you have no idea what you were supposed to do behind the screen?”

After a moment of hesitation, Xue Qinghe finally sighed. “I found out.”

Behind her, Qiu Xin widened her eyes in frustration, full of disapproval.

“Who was it?” Xue Qingyin perked up.

“It was Qiu Xin who discovered it.”

Xue Qingyin turned to look at Qiu Xin.

Qiu Xin froze, realizing that lying now was pointless. She gritted her teeth and said, “It was…” Her thoughts suddenly shifted.

After all, only she had heard the sound at the time; the second young lady hadn’t noticed.

So if she named someone, that person would be blamed.

If the eldest young lady developed a grudge against a more powerful noblewoman while the actual culprit remained hidden… wouldn’t that be entertaining?

Thinking this, Qiu Xin hesitated and said cautiously, “No, it’s best not to say. We can’t afford to offend them.”

Hearing this, Xue Qingyin became even more intrigued.

Which high-born noblewoman was foolish enough to mistake Xue Qinghe for her and attempt to harm her?

“It’s fine, just say it,” Xue Qingyin urged.

“The young lady in the lilac and purple gown with the silver floral hairpin,” Qiu Xin stammered.

Xue Qingyin followed her gaze.

…She didn’t recognize her.

Turning to her maid, she asked, “Have I met her? Do I have any grudges with her?”

The maid shook her head, equally baffled.

Xue Qingyin turned back to Qiu Xin with a smile. “Are you lying to me?”

Qiu Xin broke into a cold sweat, stammering, “Of course not.”

At this moment, Emperor Liang De’s voice echoed: “Which one is Minister Qiao’s daughter?”

The young lady in the lilac and purple gown rose gracefully and curtsied. “This humble daughter, Qiao Xinyu, greets Your Majesty.”

Qiao…?

Which important official had the surname Qiao?

Xue Qingyin pondered, but the original host’s mind was blank, save for thoughts of He Songning.

The emperor’s conversation with Qiao Xinyu revealed her background and her father’s esteemed position, likely as the regional governor of Jian Nan Circuit—a high-ranking official not to be trifled with.

The emperor continued pointing out young women, asking about their age and suitability for marriage. Each selection hinted at potential matches for the princes.

Eventually, he declared, “Miss Liu would be an excellent match for King Wei. What do you think, Concubine Wan?”

Concubine Wan smiled approvingly.

Xue Qingyin realized the emperor’s plans and downed her wine.

“Tch.”

It tasted terrible.

At this time, Miss Lu also ended the conversation and sat back.

Xue Qingyin raised her head again, and could clearly see that the faces of the other noble ladies were full of hope. They all hoped that they would be named by the emperor.

Although they only said a few words, the “shine” at this palace banquet would be enough for them to be proud of for at least three or four years, right?

Xue Qingyin thought to herself, I can see it clearly, how can you not see it?

It’s not just about looking good that will get picked out.

You have to rely on your parents.

Qiu Xin’s nervous sigh suddenly reached Xue Qingyin’s ears.

She couldn’t help but glance at Qiu Xin and her servant.

Xue Qinghe looked indifferent, but Qiu Xin was disappointed, as if she was still expecting to be the center of attention at today’s palace banquet…

“Your servant Liu Yuerong greets Your Majesty.”

In a blink of an eye, another noble lady was picked out.

Xue Qingyin raised her eyes and glanced at her.

She was sure she had never seen this Miss Liu, but her figure was vaguely familiar.

This time, Emperor Liang De asked her more questions.

First, he asked what books she liked to read, and then asked about her age and whether she was married.

Then Emperor Liang De smiled and said, “She is a good girl with a beautiful mind.”

Liu Yuerong showed a trace of uncontrollable joy on her face, and hurriedly bowed to thank the emperor for his praise.

Emperor Liang De then changed the subject: “Well, I think she is a good match for the King of Wei! What do you think?”

Concubine Wan laughed: “Your Majesty is right.”

Obviously, this candidate was also very much to her liking.

If it is a girl from the Lu family, it would be the best… But the girl from the Liu family is also very good!

Xue Qingyin paused.

Is it really possible?

Someone else really pointed it out to the King of Wei!

Is this a perfect plan for the King of Xuan?